Modular Video Production Server Asynchronous Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional broadcast production systems rely on expensive, specialized hardware that leads to overprovisioning and limited flexibility, as they require dedicated devices for different types of productions and synchronous processing, resulting in inefficient use of resources and inflexibility.
Innovation Solution
A software-based video production server that utilizes modular, reusable software components running on standard hardware, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and asynchronous processing, enabling flexible dimensioning and scalability, and supporting various functionalities through a pipeline architecture with APIs for inter-service communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated specialized hardware devices are used for each production type, then processing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal video production server that can perform multiple functions (ingest, encode, decode, transcode, record, apply effects, mix, and play out signals) that were previously required by separate dedicated devices. This multi-functional server reduces the number of devices needed while maintaining processing reliability through software-based execution of all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtualization to create virtual copies of dedicated processing functions within a single physical server. Virtual machines or containers replicate the functionality of specialized hardware devices, allowing the system to maintain the reliability characteristics of dedicated devices while consolidating them into a single multi-functional platform.
2Manufacturing precision
If synchronous processing with fixed time intervals is used, then processing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to worst-case dimensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static synchronous processing to dynamic asynchronous processing where video frames are processed independently without fixed time intervals. Each frame is processed as it arrives, allowing the system to adapt to varying input rates and avoid the overhead of worst-case dimensioning, thereby improving productivity while maintaining acceptable processing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary buffer or queue system that decouples the input and output processing streams. This intermediary allows frames to be processed at optimal rates without being constrained by rigid synchronous timing, enabling parallel processing and improving overall system productivity while maintaining frame accuracy through proper buffering mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard hardware with software-based processing is used, then adaptability increases, but processing speed may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized hardware processing with software-based processing on standard hardware platforms. This substitution enables greater adaptability and flexibility in processing different video formats and production requirements while leveraging the cost-effectiveness and availability of standard hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in software configuration to optimize processing speed on standard hardware. By adjusting processing parameters, thread counts, buffer sizes, and algorithm selections, the system can maximize the performance of standard hardware to approach the speed of specialized equipment while maintaining the adaptability benefits of software-based processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A video production server comprising at least one processor and a storage is suggested. Software modules composed of executable program code are loaded into a working memory of the at least one processor. Each software module, when executed by the at least one processor, provides an elementary service. A concatenation of elementary services provides for a functionality involving processing of video and/or audio signals needed for producing a broadcast program. The video production server includes a set of software components that runs on conventional hardware. Each functionality of the video production server is achieved by using a specific piece of software that is assembled from reusable functional software blocks and that can run on any compatible hardware platform. Furthermore, a method for operating the video production server and a distributed video production system including the video production server is suggested.